Zinedine Zidane is set to face Italy for the first time since the dramatic 2006 FIFA World Cup final, when his career ended with one of the most infamous moments in football history.

Zidane was sent off in the 110th minute of the final in Berlin after headbutting Italy defender Marco Materazzi in the chest following an exchange between the two players.

The incident came just minutes before the end of extra time, leaving France without its captain and leading figure for the decisive penalty shootout.

Italy eventually won the World Cup after defeating France 5–3 on penalties, following a 1–1 draw after extra time. Zidane had earlier opened the scoring for France from the penalty spot, while Materazzi equalised for Italy.

The final prove to be Zidane's last professional appearance. The French midfielder retired from football immediately after the tournament, bringing an extraordinary playing career to an abrupt and controversial conclusion.

Zidane had won the World Cup with France in 1998 and was one of the defining players of his generation. His performance throughout the 2006 tournament earned him the Golden Ball as the competition's best player, despite the dramatic ending.

Now, almost two decades later, Zidane is set to encounter Italy again, bringing renewed attention to an unforgettable chapter of his football career.